By Oke Aruleba @ Deprof
It is absolutely instructive that democracy is like a garden; a resilient one for that matter, which requires constant care and nourishment in order to flourish.
Regrettably, our democracy is overrun by weeds, shot through with toxins, undernourished and neglected.
Our political space has been under siege masterminded by political hucksters with diverse self-seeking motives ranging from vote solicitation with the sole aim of feathering their own nests to perpetuating themselves in power for other clandestine reasons.
The jugular veins of our dear nation have been infected by many mediocre individuals turning into political hucksters who have no place in the saddle.
Many a clownish headmaster has been in men’s affairs for too long in this political climate. They are voted into power to do nothing, and we have no idea why they did nothing! Even the few who knew the reason they did nothing acquiesced in fear and trepidation!
Workers’ salaries are infinitesimal and insufficient to stay above the drowning tides of a comatose economy. Worst still, such chicken-feed salaries are held in arrears while democracy dividends remain a mirage!
Ekiti State under the care of the incumbent, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, is certainly experiencing a new lease of life.
Oyebanji is an incarnate of Biblical David who was initially considered unworthy to ascend to the coveted throne in Israel.
The political permutations and calculations of the pundits plotted BAO on lowest rung of the political ladder of Ekiti State to succeed Dr Kayode Fayemi.
Funny enough, many Whatsapp Nostradamuses using the social media, predicted a zero victory for BAO at the gubernatorial polls. Some derided him as too costly and inappropriate card to be played by the APC party.
“ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”(Isaiah 55:8)
His Excellency’s middle name is “Abayomi” which translates to: if it were not for God, the enemies would have mocked me spoke for him as he coasted to victory in Ekiti.
A barrage of legal proceedings ensued, but “if God be for us, who can be against us?” was perpetually the verdict in their losing legal battles.
At this juncture, it is important for the detractors to understand that BAO is God’s Project specially packaged for the Ekiti people.
Oyebanji eternally stands out! One unique attribute of his among many others is that he does not bear anyone’s GRUDGE.
It is like restating an obvious fact that BAO is the DEUS EX MACHINA, that is, the active agent who appears unexpectedly to solve an insoluble problem for which the entire Ekiti people have long been seeking a solution .
A numero-uno promise- keeper who is magnanimous in victory.
Like a parka, he carves humanitarian teeth. He is genuine and natural about his dealings with the teeming Ekiti masses. He is an “OFFICIAL PROTOCOL BREAKER” who keeps faith with his vow to be the “MASSES’ PROTOCOL KEEPER.”
BAO is the first EKITI GOVERNOR to wow the opposition to receive an accolade for effective governance. He has positively changed EKITI STATE’s political narratives.
It is no hype that BAO’s performance within the short time of office as governor in Ekiti is highly impressive.
Needless to say, Oyebanji has demystified the long-standing POWER myth by demonstrating repeatedly that the most effective way to RETAIN POWER is to give it out to the PEOPLE on whose behalf he holds the public office in trust.
May God bestow good health on our Amiable and People’s Governor and grant him more power to function in the saddle. Amen